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^N o 



CONCISE NARRATIVE 

OF 

General Jackson's 

AIS'D OF HIS IMMORTAL 

DEFENCE OF NEW-ORILE ANS : 

WITH REMARKS. 

I speak of a great Man and a just Man. 

SECOND EDITION — WITH ADDITIONS. 

B7 ARISTXDES. 

Published by order of the General Committee of Republican. 
Young Men of New-York. 




NEW-YORK : 

Printed by E. M. Murden & A. Ming, Jr. 1 Murray-streeft 

1£27 






•Vat 









PEEF A C E. 



Two candidates only being before the American People for 
iheirsuffrages, at the next Presidential election, I propose to re- 
vive the recollection of those events, upon whieH the character 
and claims to public confidence, of ©ne of them, are chiffly 
founded. 

As a great portion of my fellow citizens have forgotten, or 
have never perused, a connected account of the occurrences of 
those important periods of our history, during which General 
Jackson contributed so essentially to the security and glory of 
his country, I shall revert to them as briefly as possible ; and 
endeavor to show, that his condnct in every instance, both at 
New-Orleans and at Pensacola, was not only blameless, but 
that the lives and property of his fellow citizens, and the re- 
putation of his country, could hare been preserved only 
through the very means which he employed. 

It is because the acts and motives of this distinguished citi- 
zen, during the progre"^ of these events, have beea misrepre- 
sented and his character traduced, that I deem this exposition 
necessary. The principal part of the transactions to which I 
sua •, took place between twelve and thirteen years ago, 

and at a distance of nearly two thousand miles : hence the 
necessity, at the present moment, of producing such a connect- 
ed narrative, as will enable the loader to form a correct judg- 
ment of the events themselves, und of the merits of him who 
fearlessly met, and successfully controliedthem. Being of the 
utmost consequence to the nation at large, they swallowed up 



111 their magnitude, at the time, many of those minute parti- 
culars now set forth, which heighten the interest of great a- 
ehieveineuts, and increase the reputation, or diminish the im- 
portance attached to the agency of the chief actor in them. 

My readers will, therefore, I hope, follow me with patience 
through these details : they will explain, fully, the necessity of 
those energetic, but salutary measures, which were adopted 
at the time. They may, perhaps, appear at first sight to be 
too voluminous; but it was not possible to condense them more, 
and do justice to the subject. Those who are candid and de- 
sirous of receiving information, will not regret the loss of half 
an hour in perusing a statement which has truth and justice 
for its object. If I shall establish the fact, and I think I shall 
do it most conclusively, that Gen. Jackson did those things 
only which could have saved the country, he must be acquitted 
of all blame. If he be exonerated from censure, then must 
he be applauded for his forsight, wisdom, and prudence ; and 
these high qualities, added to his universally admitted virtues 
of patriotism and valour, entitle him, — in the opinion of the 
writer, to the first place in the hearts of his countrymen ; and 
to that office, which is the greatest in their gift, and the high- 
est in point of dignity, when honourably acquired, of any in the 



world ! 



IfjBJ&RATXVS. 



lit the early part of the year 1814, Andrew Jackson, then a 
major general of militia in the state of Tennessee, having 
fought and conquered the Southern Tndians in several severe- 
ly contested battles, received, from the President of the United 
States, the appointment of major general in the regular ser- 
vice. Accompanying the commission were directions from 
the War Department, to take charge of and defend the Se- 
venth Military District. 

As the Indians, whom he had recently subdued, in the onset 
and throughout the continuance of hostilities, had outraged hu- 
manity by the most shocking and brutal murders, Jackson was 
directed to treat with them as a conquered people. According- 
" ly on the 9th of August, " he succeeded in procuring the ex- 
ecution of a treaty, in which the Indians pledged themselves, 
"no more to listen to foreign emissaries : to hold no communi- 
" cation with British or Spanish garrisons; guaranteed to the 
" United States the right of erecting posts in their country, and 
" a free navigation of all their waters. They stipulated also 
" that they would suffer no agent or trader to pass among them, 
"or hold any kind of commerce with their nation, unless spe- 
" cially deriving his authority from the President of the United 
" States." 

During the negotiation, Jackson endeavoured to impress up- 
on the minds of the savages the necessity of preserving these 
stipulations, and of remaining at peace with our country. And 
although lie did not apprehend any concerted action among 
them, yet he feared danger from those scattered fugitives who 
had fled to the Escambia and Pensacola ; and who, in all pro- 
bability, would attach themselves to the British and pilot them 
through the country. 

I wish the reader to bear in mind the conditions of this trea- 
ty, together with the predictions of the general ; and that he 
will also connect them with the facts disclosed in Mr. Adams's 
letter in vindication of his second invasion of Florida. He will 
then perceive that the occupation of that country in 1S17, anH 





the execution of Arabristcr and Arbuthnot, grew out of a \ io- 
lation of this wry treaty, at the instigation and through the 
agency of those monsterstthemselves, and their leader and as- 
- >ciate Nichols. 

It was long before this period that Gen. Jackson admonish- 
ed the govern menl of the dangers to he apprehended from 
occupation dfPensacola by the British. Already 300 had land- 
ed and were fortifying themselves on the Apalachicola, and 
wej . ou ■: , to excite the Indians to massacre and blood. 

The n i . : Spaniard was the open ally of Britain and the 
savagps. il,< country was the theatre of war against the 1 . 
State}-. Jackson knew the treacherous disposition of the In- 
dian-, and the faithless character of the Spaniards; and 
Hami ton and I Ia\ re-de-Grace, the theatres of British glory, 
had left ample traces of the prowess and chivalry of their m; 
uanimous allies. Hetherefore besought his government to au- 
thorise him tit make a descent upon Pensacola, — although 
>piai was at peace and m amity with us, — as the only means 
of s :uring the southern border from the incursions and in- 
road-; of the [ndians and British. But strange as it mayaa- 

i», no answer to repeated solicitations to that effect, were 
eveij received by him, until after the battle of New-Orleans. 

On the L7th January, 1815, after the British army had been 
repulsed at New-Orleans, and the descent on Florida almost 
forgotten, Jackson received through the post office department, 
datid at Washington City, July 18, 1814, the following letter 
from general Armstrong, then secretary at war : — 

• Vhe case you put, is a very strong one ; and if all the cir- 
cumstances stated by you unite, the conclusion is irresistible, 
it beconn ••<- duty to curry our arms where we fin I our enemies. 
!t << believerf, and I am so directed by the President to say, 
that there is a disposition on the part of the Spanish govern- 
ment, not to break with the United States, nor to encoura e 
an;, :ct on the part of her subordinate agents, havng a 

tendency to such a rupture. We must, therefore, in this case, 
be careful to ascertain facts, and even to distinguish what, on 
the p::rt of the Spanish authorities, may be the effect of .me- 
nace and compulsion, or of their choice and policy. The re- 
sult of this inquiry must govern. If they admit, feed, arm, and 
fj-npi ra!< with the British and hostile indium, w must strike — 
on the broad principle of sell" preservation. Under other and 
different circumstances we must forbear." 

Here then was authority, but it was received by Jackson ai- 



I 

ter he had assumed the responsibility of the measure, and 
driven the British to their ships. How came this letter to be 
delayed six months, and by whom was it delayed P 

If, — remarked Jackson, speaking- of this transaction some 
time after, — if this letter had been received in time, I could 
have captured the Barancas and all the British shipping in the 
hay — 3 frigates and two sloops of war. 

Having, at length, obtained the most positive information 
that the British were in possession of the Spanish forts Bar- 
rancas and St. Rose, and were fortifying themselves in Pen- 
sacola ; and that a large body of Indians and negroes between 
4 and 500, with British uniforms and new muskets, were dai- 
ly drilling in the town, under British officers, he decided at 
once to invade Florida and inarch to Pensacola. 

Unwilling, however, precipitately to involve himself or his 
country, he first apprized the Governor of Pensacola of t lie 
information he had received, and inquired of him why it was 
that the enemies of his country were permitted to garrison 
their forts and fortify themselves in the town. He received 
an evasive answer ; and when the appeal was repeated, his 
flag wan fired upon, and the hearer compelled to return. 
Finding there was no alternative, that the enemy or himself 
must occupy this neutral country, he chose the latter, and 
marched to Pensacola. On his approach, the British retreated 
with their shipping, blew up the Forts Barancas and St. 
Hose, and their savage allies fled to the forest. 

It is not deemed necessary here to insert, the public la>v to 
show that Jackson was justifiable in what he did. It is a set- 
tled principle of that law, that the occupation of a neutral 
territory by one belligerent, whether with the connivance and 
permission of the neutral, or from his inability to prevent it, 
is a perfect justification for the forcible occupation of it by the 
other belligerent. Here was nothing ambiguous or equivo- 
cal. The British with their allies the Indians and Negroes, 
occupied the forts and garrrisons of the Spanish King, who 
was at the time at peace and in amity with us. Pensacola 
was their rallying place, their rendezvous ; where they de- 
posited their plunder, recounted their murders and massacres, 
and consummated their plans for future movements. There 
could be no speculation or doubt about the matter. They 
were there when Jackson entered the town ; blew up the forts 
there and fled thence. They encountered our army th n , 
and were beaten In them on the neutral ground bf Pensa- 
cola ! 



3 

The British intended by occupying tliis station, to harass 
our forces and divert the attention of the general from the 
real object of attack, New-Orleans. Jackson saw it, and pre- 
vented it on his own responsibility. 

Having chastised the Spaniards, and raised the British to 
retreat, t!i«' Ann man commander proceeded forthwith to 
New-Orleans, upon which place, he felt confident, the British 
intended soon to make their descent. It was now the 22nd 
November, the season advanced, the weather inclement, his 
health delicate, and his mind agitated and depressed, from 
the com iction that a sadden and severe attack would he made 
at that point where we were most assailable, and least pre- 
pared to make a defence. So well informed and confident 
was he of the intentions of the enemy, that he despatched 
messengers to Mississippi, Tennessee, and Kentucky, for vo- 
lunteers and militia, and urged them on with all possible ex- 
pedition as the only means of saving the whole lower coun- 
try. His own forebodings were increased and confirmed by 
despatches from Washington, in which the government ap- 
prized him of the approaching danger, and besought him to 
be vigilant and active. 

Before he arrived in the city, Governor Claiborne had in- 
formed him of the unprepared state of the country, its desti- 
tute condition in arms and men, and of the unsound state ofits 
population. And on his arrival, his own observation con- 
vinced him that the picture had not been exaggerated. The 
city was filled with the most discordant materials. A mixed 
population of Frenchmen, Spaniards, and Americans, disaf- 
fected towards our government, and impatient of restraint ; 
ignorant of the use of fire-arms, and unwilling to submit, to 
the discipline of the camp, composed but. poor materials for 
the defence of a country thus exposed, and almost 1000 miles 
from our resources. Doubt and apprehension pervaded all 
classes : but instead of desponding himself or of disclosing 
his <»wn forebodings, he assumed an air of confidence and se- 
curity, and thus encouraged all classes to stand up and breast 
their difficulties. He pressed the Governor for succours ; ap- 
pealed to the legislature for aid ; and urged the citizens to a 
defence of all that was dear to them on earth. 

\t length on the 13th and 14th December, the barges from 
the British shipping, after a gallant resistance on the part of 
the brave Jones and his crew, captured all our little fleet on 
the small lakes near New-Orleans. Thus disclosing their 





intention of a speedy dcbarkatioiii bin hot indicating as }et„ 
the precise point (»(' landing. Tne crisis was approaching, 
the day of trial was near — the enemy was at hand, nor could 
it be believed that ho would undertake an expedition of such 
magnitude without a force commensurate to the object : and 
as yet, General Jackson could not muster orcr 2000 troops of 
all descriptions to resist them. He immediately despatched 
messengers to the Kentucky and Tennessee troops, begging 
them to hasten on with all possible expedition, or all would 
be lost before their arrival. They heard and honoured tin; 
call, and hastened to the relief of their exposed countrymen. 

These noble, these patriotic heroes, — for every man acting 
from such impulses, is a patriot and a hero, — had travelled 
voluntarily almost 1000 miles, through swamps and forests, 
through rain and frost, during the most inclement season of 
the year, for the purpose of assisting a sister state to repel a 
common foe : when too, from their insulated position, they 
themselves could never be reached by the British, unless 
through the tomahawk and scalping knife of their Indian 
allies. 

Hear this ye craven, heartless band of the Hartford Con- 
vention ! Hear this, and sink with shame, ye who, though the 
British soiled your shores with their footsteps, had neither 
the courage nor the patriotism to drive them thence ! Now 
let Henry Clay and his worthy allies of the East, and his 
co-adjutors in corruption, boast of their victorv over the sub- 
dued spirit of the WEST !— The Hartford" Convention is 
triumphant ; its instigators and abettors now lord it over that 
country which twelve short years ago, they would have sold 
or betrayed to the enemy ; but, which Jackson and his brave 
companions in arms preserved and covered with glory. 

But to return to my narrative. All now was gloom and 
terror ; — the Kritish were come, and there was no force to re- 
pel them ; — the populace became frantic with fear, and how 
could they help it ? A. brutal enemy was on their shores, ready to 
overwhelm them ; and there Avas no barrier between them 
and massacre, plunder, and lust, excepting about two thou- 
sand men, and that towering spirit, which, guided by its own 
capacious and unerring judgment, had never been appalled, 
ft ad never been subdued. He told the affrighted people, that 
feeble as was his force, he was resolved to assail the enemy 
on his first, landing, and perish sooner than suffer' them to 
reach the cifv. 



|0 

At this fearful moment, this period of consternation and 
dismay, foreseeing that the enemy would possess himself of 
supplies and information, through the thousand avenues which 
were open to the disaffected ; that his plans and efforts would 
be frustrated by permitting every citizen or alien, in a town 
besieged, to enjoy his liberty, and become the judge of his 
own duty and his own acts, — General Jackson proposed to 
the legislative body, then in session, that the city should be 
placed under martial law. It was known and conceded that 
Congress alone had the power by the constitution ; and then 
only in cases of insurrection or actual invasion. But what 
was to be done ? There was invasion ; and disaffection did exist 
in the city, — Congress was too distant ; but the city, notwith- 
standing, must be saved. It was saved ! The legislature de- 
bated and hesitated. They thought it necessary, but feared 
to do it ; they deliberated whether they should save the city 
or give it to the flames ; and came to no conclusion. Pressed 
by the surrounding dangers, there was no time for procrasti- 
nation ; Jackson assumed the responsibility of the measure, 
" and declared martial law, under a solemn conviction that 
u the country committed to his care, could by such a measure 
" alone be saved from utter ruin. He thought, he said, at 
" such a moment, that constitutional forms should be suspended 
" for the preservation of constitutional rights ; and, that there 
" could be n > question whether it were better to depart for a 
", momi nt, from the enjoyment of our dearest privileges, or have 
4 * thrm icrestcd from us for ever.'''' 

This measure was indeed to be justified only on the prin- 
ciple of necessity. Its necessity was obvious from the nature 
of the existing circumstances and is still more apparent from 
the following facts: — that the Legislature of Louisiana, at 
that very time, having no constitutional power to regulate or 
restrain commerce, passed an act laying an embargo — that 
the Executive sanctioned it, and from a conviction of its ne- 
cessity, it was acquiesced in. The same Legislature shut up 
the Courts of Justice to all Civil Suitors ; the same Executive 
sanctioned that Law, and the Judiciary not only acquiesced , but 
solemnly approved it. That the Governor undertook to inflict 
the punishment of exile, upon an inhabitant without any form 
of law, merely because he thought that an individual's pre- 
sence might be dungerous to the public — and that Judge 
Hall acquiesced in it ; and further, being impressed with 
the emergency of the moment and the necessity of employing 



11 

every moans of defence, he, the Judge consented to the dis- 
charge of men, committed and indicted for CAriTAL citiMJ.s with- 
out bail and without recognizance. And finally; under the im- 
pression that the exercise of his judicial functions would be 
useless* and that there was more personal safety in retreat, 
absented himself frorfi the place where his Court was to be 
holdcn, and postponed its session during a regular term. 

Thus the conduct of the Legislative, Executive and Judicial 
branches of the Government of Louisiana, bore the fullest tes- 
timony of the necessity under which General Jackson acted 
when he proclaimed martial law. 

Such was his act, and such were his reasons for it. To 
save the city, he took this measure of precaution ; its opera- 
tion could be oppressive only to the disaffected and wicked. 
The good and the patriotic advised it ; The base and degene- 
rate alone disliked it. It was not adopted to keep honest men 
in awe, but villains in check ; and it had the desired effect. 

This then was the head and front of his offending ; the cli- 
max of his usurpation. His authority was now supreme. 
He had it in his power to prevent bad men from betraying 
his army and the city into the hands of the enemy. It went 
no farther ; it was not intended to go farther. But did he 
abuse his power f Was any man oppressed by it ? No, not 
one ! During the whole period that the enemy remained on 
the land, there was no complaint made of its rigours or injus- 
tice. It was after the enemy had embarked, and while it was 
uncertain at what point he would make his second attempt, 
that mutiny ivas excited and disaffection created, by a member of 
the Legislature and a Judge of the Court. 

Sav, ye brave and patriotic defenders of your native soil, 
was he right, or was he not ? I appeal to the brave men who 
fought with him ; who participated in all the dangers of the 
field and shared in the toils of the camp with him ; was he 
right or was he not ? Say, ye brave Kentuckians, ye noble 
Tennesseeans, were your sympathies so much excited for 
these people, because they were compelled to submit to the 
same restrictions that you endured daily ? To prevent their 
throats from being cut, and their property from being plun- 
dered by the British, you had marched a thousand miles dur- 
ing the most inclement season of the year, enduring martial 
law on the march and while at New-Orleans ; and yet these 
men could not endure to be debarred the privilege of going to 
the enemy, at pleasure, and betraying you into his power. The 



Jsi 

citizens of JNewrOrleans werp no wor^e off after the declara- 
tion of martial law, than (be citizens of Kentucky artd Ten- 
nessee^ who had volunteered to subject themselves to the 
rigours and dangers of a camp, in order that they might 
thereby the better defend them. But then, these volunteers 
and militiaman were soldiers, and could expect no better. 
Soldiers! and who were the soldiejre ? They were the farmers, 
the respectable patriotic yeomanry of the west, — neighbours, 
fathers, sons, and brothers. Good God ! And did you com- 
plain at being placed in the same situation with those who 
came so far, and endured so much, to deliver you from bon- 
dage r Monstrous ingratitude ! Base and degenerate must 
that heart have been that could complain. 

I appeal to every patriotic and candid man in the union ; 
to the noble population of the state of New- York ; to her 
brave militia, who so gallantly co-operated with the people of 
Kentucky and the west, in their second contest for indepen- 
ence, to say whether he was right or not ? But 1 will not ap- 
nea,! to the Hartford Convention men, nor to Henry Clay, 
their frit ml, nor to those cold-blooded causuits, " who consi- 
dered it unhecoruing a moretl and religious people to rejoice ar 
the success of our arms." 

Note A. Appendix. 

I appeal to such as love their country, and who, when dan- 
ger approaches, are ready and willing, without consulting 
stale authorities or contexts of faith, to defend their liberties 
at the hazard of their lives. I appeal to such to say, whether 
through pusillanimity, Jackson shoald have permitted the 
sack of the city and the pollution of its women ; or have 
adopted that salutary restriction, for it amounted to no more, 
and saved them both ? But our hearts and our heads tell us 
he did right ; that he acted wisely and humanely. The people 
blessed him for it. They wept tears of joy at the return, the 
triumphant return of the hero, who had beaten the enemies 
of his country, and proved himself their saviour. His go- 
vernment honoured him for it, and the whole nation applaud- 
ed the bold but salutary measure. 

At length on the 23d December, the British having landed, 
General Jackson concentrated his forces to repel them, con- 
sisting of 700 regulars and 1300 militia and volunteers, all he 
could muster. At one o'clock in the afternoon, he left the 
city, at the head of his troops, for the scene of action. To- 
wards night, the two armies encountered each other, and 



1-i 

after a sharp contest, the eticiti^ were beaten and gave way. 
Tliey retired about a mile, when owing to the darkness of 
the night, Jackson determined to halt until the morning, and 
then renew the conflict. 

In the meanwhile he ascertained from his prisoners, that 
the British forces, actually engaged the night preceding^ 
amounted to between 5 and (>000 men, whilst his own did not 
exceed 2(HX>. This disparity was too great. Of the bravery 
of his men he never doubted ; they hud proved it in the en- 
gagement just over ; but their numbers were small compared 
to that of the enemy, and they were badly armed. He there- 
fore determined, at once, ft pott a defensive policy. Every 
hour he looked for the brave men from Kentucky and Ten- 
nessee, and the arms and munitions long since despatched 
from Pittsburgh for the use of the army. Prompt in deciding, 
he had no sooner formed his determination, than he set him- 
self to work at his defences, M and with such zeal and watch- 
fulness, that until the night of the 21th, he never closed, his 
eyes." On that night, his lines being completed, and his body 
worn down by fatigue, he retired to repose for the first time, 
in five days and four nights ! 

Do the enemies of the republic act thus ? Would the Hart- 
ford Convention men have done this ? Would Governor 
Strong, of Massachusetts, have done it, for the purpose of 
rescuing a sister state from invasion and blood ? Would the 
dark-souled Webster ha\ e done it ? or the Hon. Josiah 
Quincy, or any other of the present distinguished friends of 
the Hon. Henry Clay, have done it, or the Arch Sophist him- 
self? W r ould any of these have ventured and suffered what 
this patriot and gallant warrior did at the time, foi his 
exposed and bleeding country ? No ; I answer ! And shall 
he be condemned for it, or forgotten for it ? No ! I repeat. 

" Between the 23d and the attack of the 28th December, 
" major Butler, who still remained in the city, was applied 
" to by Fulwar Skipwith, at that time speaker of the senate, 
M to know what Jackson intended to do, provided he should 
" be compelled to retreat to the city. Would he, inquired 
" Skipwith, in that event, destroy it ? observing, at the same 
" time, that it was rumoured that that was the General's 
" intention. The legislature, he said, desired information on 
" the subject, that if such were his intentions, they might, by 
" offering terms to the enemy, avert so serious a calamity. And 
" while in the act of communicating an order to General 



14 

" Coffee, along his line, in the heat of the battle, General 
" Jackson was accosted by one of his aids-de-camp, and 
" informed that the legislature were then secret!// agitating the 
" subject of terms to be offered to the enemy, with a proffer of a 
" surrender, and that Governor Claiborne awaited his orders 
'*■ on the subject. Doubtful as was the result, whether the 
" city must fall or could be saved, yet such a scheme to be 
" engendered, at such a moment, and almost consummated 
" without his knowledge ; without knowing the actual danger 
\* they were in, or consulting him who alone could determine 
" it, and who had saved the city on the night of the 23d, was 
" rather too much. The pernicious tendency of such a pro- 
" ject, amongst an army composed of such discordant and 
" fragile materials, and whilst the battle was raging too, 
" incensed as well as embarrassed the General. — Availing 
" himself of the first respite from the violence of the attack, 
" he apprized Governor Claiborne of what he had heard, and 
" ordered him to watch the conduct of the legislature closely, 
" and at the moment the project of offering a capitulation to 
" the enemy should be disclosed, to place a guard at the door 
" and confine them to their chamber. The governor, in his 
" zeal to execute the command, construed the order as impe- 
" rative, when it was merely contingent. Mistaking the 
" order, instead of shutting them in doors, he turned them 
" out, contrary to the General's wishes and expectations." — 
Ka ton's Life. 

"Previously to this, a committee of the legislature had 
"called upon the General to know what his course would be 
" provided he should be driven from his position. If, replied 
" the veteran, I thought the hair of my head could divine what 
"I should do, I would forthwith cut it off: — Say to your 
"honourable body, if disaster should overtake me, and the 
" fate of war does drive me to the city, that they may expect to 
" have a very warm session." — Eaton's Life. 

For this mistake of governor Claiborne, has general Jack- 
son, among other things, been severely censured. Let us ex- 
amine into the nature of his command, and the power of the 
legislature to capitulate. 

By the commission which general Jackson held from the 
president of the United States, he represented the government 
in his individual person. On him rested all responsibility . 
and, on the subjects of resistance or capitulation, his voice 
alone could be heard. Neither the governor of a state nor the 



J> 

legislature of ft state has power, during war, t(» surrender the 
United States' forces, without the consent of their command- 
ing officer. They can no more surrender on conditions, by 
capitulation, than they can declare war or make peace. To 
show the tolly and utter absurdity of the thing, let us imagine 
tor a moment, that the legislature in their patriotic wisdom 
had capitulated ; — what then ? Jackson would not have agreed 
to it — he commanded all the forces, the legislature nove. 
The enemy then could not ha\e passed his lines, and things 
mast have remained as they were. But was this all ? Oh, 
no ! While these brave men were in actual conflict, in the 
field, exerting every nerve to save the city and repel the foe; 
at this moment of carnage and strife, the heavens lighted by 
their fires and the earth quaking at every discharge of their 
cannon ; at this moment of dreadful uncertainty and conster- 
nation, the legislature, to secure their own safety, and reck- 
less of every other consideration, were on the threshold of 
sacrificing the army and the country at a hlow\ The 
mere report amongst the militia of such an intention, would 
h;ive been fatal — It was a lighted match on the eve of being 
applied to the magazine — Jackson saw it, seized it at the 
hazard of his life, and extinguished it. It was a ruse de 
guerre of the enemy, or the work of some hellish spirit, bent 
on stratagem and spoil. What an attempt to compel the 
commander, at such a moment, to surrender his country to 
shame and his name to infamy ! — But he was honest, and 
honourable, and brave, and he could neither surrender to fear 
nor to force ; nor could he tamper with cowardice or treason. 

Had Jackson been less prompt or energetic, the country 
would have been sacrificed that hour to the fears or machina- 
tions of those, who, from their rank and intelligence, should 
have been foremost in defending it, and in sustaining its repu- 
tation. 

At length, on the 4th of January, the long-expected rein- 
forcements from Kentucky and Tennessee arrived, amounting 
to '2,250 men, militia and volunteers. They were almost 
worn down by fatigue and forced marches, having literally 
waded through mud and rain for the last 3 or 400 miles. And 
behold ! after travelling 1,000 miles, to get to the field of 
glory, there were no arms for them to fight with ! The arms 
which had been despatched from Pittsburgh months gone by, 
had not yet arrived, nor were there any tidings of them. 
What to do Jackson knew not. " He was prepared for every 



tiling hut despondency," It was in vain to seek relief — there 
v. ns none* 

"No expedient, no alternative presented itself, but to place 
thi se brave, men, without arms, at his intrenchments in the rear, 
conceal their actual condition, and by the. show they might make, 
add to his appearance and numbers, without at all increasing his 
strength." And was not this circumstance alone, of itself, suf- 
ficient to authorize the declaration of martial law? The city 
wns besieged. The force of the enemy, including the rein- 
forcements just arrived under Gen. Lambert, was ascertained 
to exceed 14,000. These were veteran troops, well armed t 
well fed, and well clothed, and led on by Generals as expe- 
rienced as any in Europe, and accustomed to victory. They 
were daily furnished, by the disaffected, with every information 
relating to the condition of the city and the army, and of the 
General's plans and movements; whilst our forces of effective 
militia and volunteers, was not 4,000 on the east bank of the 
river. 

On the night of the 6th, a soldier, from our lines, desertetl 
and fled to the British. He unfolded to them the state of oui* 
encampment, the arrival of reinforcements, and the unarmed 
condition of a great part of the troops. He pointed out to 
them the position occupied by Carroll's Brigade, and recom- 
mended them to make their attack there, as the weakest part 
of the line.t 



* About this period, another and apparently an insuperable difficulty pre- 
sented itself. There was no money. The Quartermaster informed the Ge- 
neral that his funds were exhausted, and that without means he could pro- 
cure nothing for the subsistence of his met . What was lo be done ? The 
commander saw, that without arms and without money, no army could be 
victorious. Arms he expected hourly, but funds were no where provided 
that lie knew of, and government securities could not be negotiated. In this 
extremity the noble, the patriotic Jackson, with his characteristic prompti- 
tude, and love of country, pledged all his own estates ron relief. He 
went into the hanks, and borrowed to a large amount, on his own name and 
his own securities, to save that city which Judge Hall ran away from. That. 
'/'///, which, within a short month thereafter, was destined to witness the pu- 
nishment of its Saviour, through the malice of a recreant. 

f The British being suspicious of the integrity of the deserter, took him 
•\\ ith them on the morning of the 8th. He. pointed to the spot where they 
wollld meet with the least resistance, but alas! for the poor deserter ; Jack- 
spn, suspecting his design, had immediately changed his front, as soon as he j 
learnt fhe defection of the man. At this point the enemy suffered most. Ex- ' 
asperated at what they imagined to be a deception in the deserter, they 
hung him nn the first eminence, in spite of his protestations and f-ntreaHe?*. 



The btli of .January at length arrived. The enemy's signals 
lor the attack were made. Their batteries now opened, and 
a shower of bombs and bulls were poured upon our lines, 
while the air was in a blaze from their Congreve rockets. The 
two divisions, under the command of Sir Edward Packenham, 
in person, and supported by Generals Kean and Gibbs, press- 
ed forward, the right against the centre of Carroll's command, 
(that point which the American deserter had represented as 
being defended by militia alone,) and the left against our re- 
doybt on the levee. They advanced with a firm, quick, and 
steady pace, in column, with a front of (50 or 70 deep. Our 
troops, who were in readiness, waiting their approach, gave 
three cheers, and instantly the whole line was lighted with the 
blaze of their fire. A burst of artillery and small arms, pour- 
ing with destructive aim upon them, mowed down their front, 
and arrested their advance. In our musketry their was not a 
moment's intermission ; as one party discharged their pieces, 
another succeeded, alternately loading and appearing — no 
pause could be perceived. It was one continued volley; the 
columns saw with horror the danger, the certain destruction 
that awaited them. They wavered, and began to recede from 
the conflict. At this moment, Sir Edward Packenham hast- 
ened to#the front, and endeavoured to reanimate and inspirit 
them. But he soon fell, mortally wounded. Generals Kean 
and Gibbs also fell, dangerously wounded, and were borne 
from the field. Instantly the reserve, under General Lambert, 
came up and met the retreating columns. His efforts to stop 
them were unavailing ; they continued their flight, until they 
reached a ditch, at. the distance of about 400 yards, where 
they halted, and were rallied. 

The field before them was strewed with the dead and dying. 
Urged on, however, by their officers, who feared their own 
disgrace in the failure, they moved again to the charge. They 
had advanced near enough to deploy, and were about to do 
so, when they were met by the same unremitted and destruc^ 
tive aim. The fires of our batteries never ceased, and the 
enemy's columns were cut down as fast as they were formed. 
Satisfied, at length, that nothing could be done, and that cer- 
tain destruction awaited any further attempts, they forsook 
the contest in disorder, leaving the field literally covered with 
the dead and wounded. Panic-struck and horror-struck, they 
fled to their encampment and their ships, never again to re- 
turn, to pollute the soil of freedom with their hostile trca/dV 

C 



13 

The enemy's loss this day must have been over 3,6 f 00. They 
admitted 2,700, whilst ours wan only 13, killed and wounded. 

Wonderful disparity ! Wonderful interposition of Providence ! 

Whether to pursue them, and endeavour to capture the en- 
tire force, or suffer them to retire quietly to their ships, was a 
question now to be determined. Our army, flushed with vic- 
tory, were impatient of pursuit. They had, although barely 
militia-men, beaten the enemy and defended their lines, in a 
manner to excite universal admiration and astonishment. 
With only three thousand seven hundred effective men on the 
cast side of the river, the point where General Jackson com- 
manded in person, they had encountered and repulsed upward 
of ten thousand British veterans, under Packenham, one of 
their greatest generals. The panic-struck foe awaited in sul- 
len silence the movements of the American commander. A 
moment's reflection determined the course he meant to pursue. 
His men were not all armed, and not one half had muskets 
and bayonets ; they were, therefore, not prepared for a field- 
fight. He consequently decided not to risk a battle on the 
open plain. 

The city was safe. By continuing on the defensive, there 
could be no further danger ; whereas, by risking an engage- 
ment in the plain, with his half-armed militia, agaiflst treble 
their numbers of veteran regulars, who, although just defeat- 
ed, were exasperated to madness at their discomfiture, might 
cost him all his honours, and the city beside, lie considered, 
too, that the lives of his men, fathers, husbands, and sons, as they 
were, of the respectable yeomenry of the country, on everyone of 
whom, perhaps, a family depended for its subsistence, were too 
precious to be adventured for the bare honours of the field. He 
determined, therefore, to hold on to the advantages whicli he 
bad already obtained, rather than risk their loss by an attempt 
to gain fresh laurels. 

Had the arms which were despatched from Pittsburgh been 
received before the battle of the 8th, greater havoc would have 
been produced among the British in the onset^ and the whole 
of their force in all probability captured; but these supplies 
never reached head-quarters until after the British had de- 
parted, and peace was proclaimed.* 



* Orders had been forwarded to Pittsburgh, from the War Department, 
at an early period, for a large supply of muskets and other arms, to be sent 
to New-Orleans. The agent, through stupidity, or from a parsimonious dis- 



Thus terminated an invasion, us glorious to our counti) unij 
the immortal actors in it, as ii was disastrous and unexpected 
io the British. In every encounter, from the all-important 
onset of the 23d December til! the unparalleled repulse of the 
8th of January, our gallant militia maintained the advantage; 
in heroic valour, and patient endurance oi" toil ; in watchful- 
ness and anxious solicitude for the honour and glory of the 
country ; and in chivahic sympathy foi the defenceless wo- 
men and children — who awaited in silent dread the approach 
of fourteen thousand rujjians\ maddened to desperation under 
a pledge from their commander that the city should be given 
up to HACK and the WOMEN TO THE SOLDIERY !* 
they have never been surpassed by any equal number of hu- 
man beings. O, thou gallant band ! with what pride and sa- 
tisfaction shall thy countrymen for ever dwell upon the glories 
of this day ! with what eagerness shall the young and valiant 
hereafter drink up the story of thy -wonderful achievments ; 
an(l, in their ardent aspirations, ejaculate as they read, would 
to God I had been there — would that I could have beheld, that 
I might have honoured the immortal Jackson ! 

On the 20th January, the enemy having embarked his men 
and left the shore, Jackson, with his remaining forces, com- 
menced his march to New-Orleans. " The general glow ex- 
" cited at beholding his entrance into the city at the head of a 
" long-suffering and victorious army, was manifested by all 
" those feelings which patriotism and sympathy inspire. The 
" streets and windows w r ere crowded to view the man whose 
" vigilance, decision, and energy had preserved the country. 
" It was a scene calculated to excite the tenderest and most 
" lively emotions. But a few days since and every bosom 
" throbbed for deliverance and safety. Fathers, sons, and 



position, or through corruption, had put them on board of a floating ark, 
instead of sending them by a steam-boat, which was there at the time and 
the proprietor of which offered to take them at a trifling freight more than 
was given on board the scow. To heighten the value of the service per- 
formed, the captain of the ark stopped to trade at every village on the river, 
and arrived at the place of destination early in the following spring. 

* Booty and Beaut;/ was the watch word of Sir Edward Packenham's ar- 
my in the battle of the 8th- " The history of Europe," says Eaton, " is 
challenged to afford an instance of such gross depravity. English writers 
may deny it, but the information was obtained from prisoners, and confirm- 
ed by the books of two of their orderly sergeants taken in battle, which con* 
fained record proof of the fact." 



20 

«•' husbands, were toiling in the rank?, in defence of their pro 
" property, their homes ; of their wives and cfiHSron. A fe- 
" rocious enemy, numerous and skilled in the art of war, and 
"to whom every indulgence hail been promised, were deter- 
" mined to glut their hellish propensities, by first sacrificing 
" these fathers, sons, and husbands. — It was only through their 
"heart's blood that they could expect to reach the objects of 
" their lust. Every cannon that echoed from the line, was, 
M perhaps, the signal of approach, and of the commencement 
11 of indescribable horrors. But, O God! those feelings had 
" subsided — those painful anticipations were gone. The ten- 
" der female, relieved from the anguish of danger and suspense, 
" no longer trembled for her safety and her honour. Joy 
" sparkled in every countenance, while scarcely a widow or an 
" orphan was seen to cloud the general transport. The ap- 
" proach of the troops wasjiailed with acclamations ; all grect- 
" ed their return, and Jackson as their deliverer." — Eaton's 
Life of Jack son. 

But, amidst the warm expression of their thanks, and the 
honours and congratulations heaped upon him, he was not 
unmindful that to an energy superior to his own, and a wis- 
dom which controls the destinies of nations, he was yidebted 
for the glorious triumph of our arms. Respited from the ar- 
duous duties of the field, his first concern was to draw the 
minds of all in thankfulness and adoration to that Sovereign 
Mercy without whose aid and inspiring counsel, vain would be 
all earthly efforts. The 28d was appointed a day of prayer 
and thanksgiving for the happy deliverance effected by our 
arms, and Jackson repaired to the cathedral. The church 
and altar were splendidly decorated, and more than could ob- 
tain admission had crowded to witness the ceremony. A 
grateful recollection of his exertions to save the country vuis 
cherished by all : nor did the solemnity of the occasion, even 
here, restrain a manifestation of fegard, or induce them to 
withhold an expression of the sense they entertained of the 
honours he merited. Children, robed in white, and repre- 
senting the different states, were employed in strewing the 
Way with flowers, while, as he passed, a flattering ode, pro- 1 
duced for the occasion, saluted his ears. 

When the general reached the church, Dubourgh, the reve- 
rend administrator of the diocess, met him at the door, and 
addressed him in a strain of pious eloquence ; to which the 
general made a suitable reply, lie Was then conducted to a 



seat near the n 1 far, when the organ and other church cere- 
monies commenced, and inspired every miml with si solemn 
reverence tor the occasion." — Eaton's Life of Jackson. 

Note 15. Appendix. 

The Legislature had recommenced their session. Their 
first act was, to pass in review the incidents of the lasl month. 
They tendered a vole of thanks to nil those who had acted in 
the defence ofthe state, excepting Jackson. Not a word was 
said in praise of him who had saved the country. But he cared 
not for this omission. The people thanked him for it ; and 
the gallant and just men sill over the union would appreciate 
his sacrifices and his sufferings, and " extend honour to him 
to whom it was due." 

About, this time disaffection began to show itself in the Ame- 
rican camp. The enemy was gone, he was not to be seen on 
the shore, and hence the inconsiderate apprehended no dan- 
ger. But the designing availed themselves of the circum- 
stance to excite mutiny in the ranks, and disaffection amongst 
the citizens. Pretexts were sought among the former to es- 
cape from the drudgery of the camp, and the latter became im- 
patient of restraint. The unfortunate report of peace which 
just then had got into circulation, increased these disaffections. 
A report that a flag had arrived at head quarters, announcing 
the conclusion of peace, was indiscreetly published in the Gsi- 
zette ; and although officially contradicted, yet it had a ten- 
dency to produce lassitude and discontent. 

The British, although on hoard of their ships, were still ho- 
vering on the coast, and meditated, for aught the General 
knew, an attack at some more fortunate point. Might not 
this then, thought he, be a device of theirs to produce relaxa- 
tion in his system of operations, and discontent among his 
troops? He saw all these dangers lurking beneath it, and 
" whether true or false, it teas foreign to his duty to be influenced 
by any thing, unless officially communicated by his government.'''' 
He addressed his troops and warned thern ofthe clanger and 
the disgrace of being imposed upon ; and issued a general or- 
der, forbidding the publication, in any newspaper in the city, 
of communications relating to the army, or in any manner 
affecting it, without first obtaining permission from head 
quarters. 

Notwithstanding this prohibition, formally and officially pro- 
mulgated, an anonymous publication soon made its appearance 
in the Louisiana Gazette, reflecting upon the army, exciting 



22 

tin- troops to discontent, and affording intelligence fo the ene- 
iny of their situation. 

Jackson sent for the editor, and on his staling that the au- 
thor was M. Louaiilier, a member of the legislature, the printer 
was discharged ; Louaiilier was arrested and detained for 
trial. 

This afforded civilians a fair opportunity of testing the pow- 
er of the military over the civil authority. Application was 
made to Judge Hail for a writ of habeas corpus, which was 
immediately issued unti disobeyed. The prisoner Louaiilier 
was .-till detained, and the Judge sent beyond the limits of the 
camp, "there to remain, agreeably to the orders of the gene- 
ral, until the ratification of peace." 

This high-handed measure, as it has been termed, was. 
adopted to give effect to his measures. To convince the re- 
fractory and designing, that judicial interference should not 
mar his plans by its indiscreet interposition. When martial law 
was declared, neither Judge Hall nor the legislative body ob- 
jected to it ; and, alter its authority had been established, for 
a long while, without opposition or complaint or even inconve- 
nience to the citizens, and its benefits admitted by every body, 
"what folly in the Judge, to contest the point with the general, 
for the vain satisfaction of humbling the conqueror, in the 
midst of his triumph.?, and destroying all authority in the camp. 

On the 13th, two days after the departure of the Judge 
from the city, despatches were received from the War De- 
partment, announcing the conclusion of peace ; and, on the 
lih:h, military operations ceased between the two armies — the 
brave militia were discharged — martial law abolished, and 
joy and tranquillity reigned throughout. 

Note C. Appendix. 

Judge Hall, being again at liberty, became in turn the 
arbiter of his own wrongs. Accordingly on the 21st Feb- 
ruary, he granted a rule of court for General Jackson to show 
cause why an attachment for contempt should not be awarded 
in consequence of his refusal to obey the writ issued to him. 

Jackson's counsel, Mr. Edward Livingston, Major Reid, 
and Mr. Duncan, entered Ins appearance for the 24th, toge- 
ther with his answer. The Judge refused to hear it read, 
unless within the rules laid down by himself, in which rules he 
objected to hrctr any reasons of justification or necessity. Take 
from the accused the liberty of justifying himself, and you 
mast of necessity deprive him of the power of making any 



defence whatever. Did not. the Judge know that there is "a 

legal and moral justification for homicide ? It was the impe- 
rious necessity of the case which induced the general to take 
a stej), which he knew at the time, and has always admitted, 
was against the constitution. Cod of nature ! shall not the 
child rescue his parent from death, though he commit a breach 
of the peace in the attempt ? It is the first law of nature : but 
the Judge would hear nothing in extenuation or in explana- 
tion. The rule was rendered absolute, and the attachment 
sued out, returnable in eight days, when tfic General made 
his appearance in court to receive judgment. 

Divesting himself of military attire, for the purpose of 
avoiding observation, — in the plain garb of a citizen, and 
unattended, he entered the hall of justice to receive punish- 
ment for having saved his country from bondage, the city from 
flames, the judgment seat from destruction, the sacred temples 
from sacrilege, and the women and children from violation 
and death. The brave old soldier had advanced almost to 
the bar unobserved, when the multitude perceiving him sent, 
forth their acclamations until the heavens echoed back the 
sound. Terrified at, this burst of grateful feeling, the Judge 
became alarmed for his personal safety, remarking that it. 
was dangerous to proceed at a moment Of so much excitement. 
The marshal was directed to adjourn the court. 

" Jackson immediately interfered, and rising, requested 
that it might not be done. ' There is no danger here,' said 
he, ' and shall be none ; the same arm that protected this 
city from outrage against the invaders of the country, will 
shield and protect thin court, or perish in the attempt." 

The Judg j became tranquillized, and proceeded to the 
discharge of what he considered to be his duty, and fined the 
General one thousand dollars. 

No sooner was this judgment pronounced, than the multi- 
tude sent forth their shouts of praise, and the hero was seized 
and forcibly carried into the streets. A lady, riding in her 
carriage, was met and detained, when politely taking her from 
it, the general, in spite of entreaty, was made to occupy her 
place ; the horses were removed and the populace drew him 
in triumph, to a coffee-house, huzzaing for the general and 
menacing the Judge. Jackson addressed them, and besought 
them to be tranquil. He explained why he had declared 
martial law, and the benefits derived from it ; that he resorted 
to it for the purpose of saving the city and the lives of its citi- 



24 

zens ; that it hud performed all that he hat! ever expected from 
'ii. "i risked every thing," said he, "to obtain these objects. 
'•I did not hesitate; I could not. I ran the ha/.zard of all 
" consequences', and you have seen me moot the penalty of. my 
"aggression; I bow with submission to the sentence of the laic. 
" Had the penalty imposed, reached the utmost extent of my 
"ability to meet it, I should not have murmured; nor would 
"I forbear a similar course were the same necessity to recur 
"again. It" the offence with which 1 am now charged had 
"not been committed, the lows by which 1 am punished would 
" not now exist ! Sincerely do 1 rejoice in the maintenance of 
" their safety, although the first vindication of their violated 
" supremacy has been evinced in the punishment of myself." 
lie closed his address to the people by exhorting them to be 
tranquil, and to offer no disrespect to the laws, or their min- 
isters. 

But so convinced were the people that the course pursued 
by the commanding general was correct and praiseworthy, 
that they determined to ward off the effect of the intended in- 
jury and discharge the rine themselves. But Jackson, learn- 
ing what was in agitation, despatched his aid-de-camp to seek 
the marshal and thereby avoid the necessity of refusing the 
intended favour. But his admiring and grateful fellow citizens 
had already raised the sum ; and, in order that each person 
might share in this contribution of gratitude, no one was per- 
mitted to subscribe over a trifling amount. This delicate and 
genuine sympathy excited the liveliest emotions in the breast 
of the hero* but he could not accept it. He had violated the 
law and the penalty was his. He solicited, however, that the 
amount so raised might be applied to the relief of those whoso 
relations had fallen in battle, during the siege. This request 
was acceded to, and the widow and the fatherless received this 
pledge of a grateful people. 

Matchless hero? Incomparable man ! Brave and skilful in 
war, generous and benevolent in peace*. The records of chiv- 
alry, the pages of history do not furnish a more exalted cha- 
racter than thine ! 

Behold this gallant warrior, in the hour of invasion and dis- 
traction ; surrounded by a despairing population, — a despond- 
ing, I had almost said a criminal, legislature, — in the midst of 
disaffection, — his hastily collected forces composed of militia 
and volunteers, unaccustomed to the restraints or the hard- 
ships of a camp, — without arms and undisciplined, — and des- 









t.Hute of etfperieqced commanders, save ami accepting onl\ 
that immortal genius which guided them : — Behold him, J say, 
in this dreary hour of doubt and peril, giving confidence to the 
populace, — controlling legislative imbecility and criminality, 
checking disaffection', — disciplining his army, and leading- then} 
into tattle, against thrice their numerical force, and beating 
them too with a disparity of loss almost as three, hundred to one 
man! Then contemplate this same " military chieftain," after 
the enemy had been driven to the ocean, the city saved and 
his country covered with "lory ; behold him, 1 say, leaving his 
brave companions iti arms, in citizen's attire, to receive and 
submit to punishment, FOIt THESE ACTS, at the hand* 
of a recreant judr;e, who during the siege, coward-like had fled 
atui never returned until the enemy were beaten and gone \ 
— Here closed his toils and his responsibilities. This was the 
last act, the concluding scene of the great drama in which he 
had borne so conspicuous a part. He hail conquered for his 
country, security and renown. In doing it, however, he had 
offended against the civil power ; he had atoned for that 
transgression too. His brave companions in glory, were dis- 
charged and gone to their homes, carrying with them the 
blessings of a grateful people. And now, he too, who had 
filled tin? measure of his country's honour, began to think of 
retirement and repose, Leaving General Gaines in charge 
of the regular forces and public stores, after receiving the 
benedictions of his fellow citizens, he took his departure for 
Tennessee. Wherever he went, wherever he appeared, he 
was met by the most flattering tokens of regard ; the loudest 
galutations of praise. There was but one expression of sen- 
timent throughout an extent of 800 miles. All ranks, aJl 
ages and sexes, ami all parties, save and excepting always 
Henry Clay and his friends of the Hartford convention, ad- 
mitted and extolled his pre-eminent and all glorious services. 
Even John Quincy Adams became his eulogist, and defended 
him against the base assaults of his present pseudo-friend. 
The people throughout the union, who were so immoral and 
irreligious as to rejoice at the success of our arms, strove to 
surpass each other, in demonstrations of homage and res- 
pect. And why is his name treated with disrespect now by 
Mr. Clay and his retainers ? 

Hecause he stood in the way of that gentlemen at the last, 
election, and will at the next. Jackson had been nominated 
for the presidency, unsolicited by himself, and received a 

D 



large majority of votes over each of his competitc rs, and tlita 
offended Mr. Clay. It displeased that gentleman that the 
people should dare to prefer Andrew Jackson, the " military 
chieftain," to him, Henry Clay, the civil chieftain. He, there- 
fore, sought to be revenged, and he betrayed his constituents 
and disappointed his country. Jackson was too honest for 
him, and stood in his way. Tn his way, " who had never 
risked himself for his country," but always for himself ! Who 
had never openly in the field, unsheathed his sword in defence 
of that country, into whose bosom he had secretly and in the 
dark, plunged his stiletto. He stood in the way of him, who, 
in his strained efforts to obtain that prize himself, which his 
obtuse vision had pictured to his imagination as being within 
his grasp, reached too high, and fell without the pale of honour 
— never to rise again — nor be called HONEST ! He stood 
in the way of that lost, that fallen man, who, like the foolish 
Ephesian, despairing of a fame commensurate with his high 
ambition, sought it beyond the conflagration of a temple, and 
aimed at immortality by striking at the HEART of the con- 
stitution of his country ! But the people saw the attempt, and 
will strike down the parricide to the earth. 

From the preceding details, I come to the following conclu- 
sions, and thus redeem the pledge given at the commence'- 
ment of these pages : — 

That the Spanish government in Florida, whilst they were 
at peace and in amity with us, having permitted the British, 
(with whom we were at war,) to occupy their forts and gar- 
rison their towns, violated their neutrality ; and, that neces- 
sity and the public law, both, authorized the forcible occupa- 
tion of it by our troops. Jackson, therefore, did no wrong 
when he marched to Pensacola. See Mr. Adams' vindica- 
tion of his second invasion of Florida, addressed to the Ameri- 
can Minister in Madrid, in 1819. See also Armstrong's letter 
to him. Page C. 

That the declaration of martial law, at New-Orleans, was 
an act of necessity, of so imperious a nature, that unless it had 
been adopted, the whole lower country must have fallen ; the 
town must have been plundered and destroyed, and the 
women abandoned to the brutality of the soldiery. 

That the habeas corpus was suspended while our army 
occupied the city and its environs, as their camp ; and, at a 
time when every citizen or alien might go daily to the enemy, 
itftd could not be prevented without the authority conferred by 



27 



this very act, — thus demonstrating its absolute necessity ; fo 
■without it, all the precautionary measures else of the con: 
mander, could uot have prevented the hourly transmission t( 
the foe, of that information which mast have have resulted ii 
the complete overthrow of all our forces. 

That when martial law was recommended to the legisla- 1 
ture by General Jackson, these dangers were laid before 
them ; and, it was distinctly stated to them, that the British 
Averc constantly advised, through the agency of the disaffected 
i;i the city, of every movement made in his camp ; of the 
numerical weakness of his forces and of their want of arms ; 
of his want of funds, and the destitute condition of his quar- 
ter-master's department ; and of the disaffection which then 
existed, In God's name, what could he do ? Either he must 
control the evil disposed, or the army and the country would 
be betrayed into the power of the British. He is not entitled 
to more credit for the skill and bravery displayed during the 
siege, than for the wisdom and masterly policy of this act. 

That after the declaration of martial law, and during its 
continuance, (while the British remained on the land,) there 
was no complaint, nor is there any evidence of its inconvenience 
or oppression. 

That a state of perfect freedom, a freedom from restraint, 
at such a period, is an absurdity ; it is incompatible with pub- 
lie safety or the existence of an army. That the civil and 
military authority cannot nor ought not to exist together at 
the same time in a camp. New-Orleans was besieged, and 
environed by our soldiers--— the city and country around was 
the camp. 

That the military had in charge the defence of the country. 
These are the very words of the war department. Did this 
order mean to give the general authority in his camp, over his? 
■men within the chain of his sentinels') Or did it mean that he 
should have and exercise plenary powers, and defend the coun- 
try ? By the rules and articles of war the camp was his do- 
main ; he was lord over it in time of war or peace. What 
then did tln3 order mean to give? Tliat authoriry which he 
exercised, if in his discretion he deemed it necessary. His go-? 
vernment so construed it, and so did Congress. 

That after the British had fled to their ships, M. Louaillief , 
a member of the legislature, and Judge Hall, first denounced 
'tb'C measure, and brought up the question of authority. That 
bj thc'ijieendijiry cloc'frincs of the former, co^ntefnanCe'd jj.nd 



28 

encouraged by the latter, the weak and wicked we«re arrajcjd 
against the power of the army, and the fostering, fatherly care 
of its commander. This base attempt had a tendency, — ; tho 

British being still on onr seaboard, and smarting under the 
pain of their recent discomfiture, — to encourage them to hoj e 
for that success through treachery and seduction, which they 
had not the good fortune to obtain through their prowess and 
daring. 

That the halls of legislation were closed and the members 
refused permission to deliberate, because they were debating 
the propriety of a surrender, without consulting liun who was 
the only authority competent to decide and while too the tuo 
crmivs were in actual conflict in the field. The disclosure of such 
an intention even must have been fatal, by creating disaffec- 
tion and despondency in our army, and confidence in that of 
the enemy. 

That Jackson's submission to the civil authority the moment 
the danger was over, was prompt and uncomplaining — orderly 
and magnanimous. 

That the Judge's refusal to hear reasons of justification, af- 
ter having cited him to show cause, was a mockery of law and 
justice; Jackson's language at the time being, ""I have taken 
this stcn TO SAVE THE COU.NTRY, at though 1 know it to be a- 
gainst the constitution.' 1 His reasons, for aught the Judge 
knew, might have satisfied him and the country at Large, of 
the necessity which existed at the time, for the measure. To 
show cause was to give reasons — but the Judge would hear 
none. 

That when brought into Court to receive sentence and pun- 
ishment for having saved the city, his conduct was noble in the 
extreme, and worthy of the proudest days of Grcecoand Home. 
3 lis solemn pledge to protect the Court in its sentence of him- 
self, or perish in the effort, stands without a parallel in great- 
ness. It is one of the most heroic and sublime impulses of 
magnanimity to be found in the whole range of history. An il- 
lustrious example of chivahic virtue. Who would not give a 
life of toil to be the master of such a moment ? 

What a contrast is exhibited at the crisis of their trials. — At 
the approach of that dreadful storm which threatened to over- 
whelm them in one common ruin, Hall lied like a slave, leaving 
Jackson and his brave militia to defend his city and his country a- 
gainst the assaults of a powerful and daring foe. When in turn 
the Judge was personal!) and ulone in danger, as he iroagin-* 



i>y 



eel, quailing at the thunders <>f the multitulie, shouting in praise, 
of tliqir deliverer ; his crushed soul was relieved of its terrors, 
*'! the sound of HLS voice, whom he had before abandoned in 
Ji i extremity, and now sought to degrade, — But the triumph 
was Jackson's. It was a civic victory, surpassing in beauty, if 
not in grandeur, ins greatest achievement In war. 

That in addition to the exposures of life in the field, and 
reputation by this act of suspension, he also risked his for- 
tunes. In order to raise funds to clothe and feed the militia, 
( when government securities could not bt negotiated,) he pledged 
oil his estates to the Banks — thus affording the highest prout* 
of patriotism, and the only one on record, of having literally 
nin\ emphatically fulfilled the language of the Immortal Dec- 
laration of Independence. He pledged his life, his for- 
tunes, AND His SACKED HONOUR, in the holy cause of his 
country. 

That the triumphant defence of IVew-Orleans was hailed 
with acclamations throughout the country. Cities and towns 
were illuminated on the occasion ; the people every where a- 
warding to Jackson the merit of having saved that country : the 
Legislatures of many of the states, and the Congress of the 
union, voted him their thanks. The latter ordered a gold medal 
to be struck and presented to him in commemoration of the 
event. And this too, after the means which he had employed 
had been submitted to the public and sanctioned by a nation's 
approval. " The people in meetings from every quarter of 
the country, forwarded to him addresses of praise and congrat- 
ulation, expressive of their personal regard, and proclaiming 
him the deliverer and second saviour of his country." 

And THIS IS THE MAN whom Mr. Clay's conscience ad- 
monished him it was dangerous for the people to entrust with 
executive authority. 

This is the " Military Chieftain," for whom this pure patriot 
could not vote after that Military Chieftain had refused to 
make an arrangement with him, whereby he might be placed 
" in the line of safe precedents." 

This is the man who, when the offer was made to place him 
in the executive chair, on conditions, repelled the base pro- 
position with this memorable declaration : "Tell Mr. Clay," 
"that sooner than accept the Presidential dignity upon terms 
of bargain or barter, I would seethe earth open, and him i;nd 
his corrupt crew swallowed in it, and follow myself." 

.Andrew Jackson was born in South Carolina on the loth 61 



3D 

March, 1767. At the tender age of fourteen, while fightingii> 

the ranks of his country, in the holy cause of freedom, he was 
taken prisoner by the British ; and, while under confinement, 
received a sabre cut on his arm, the marks of which lie carried 
to this day, because he refused to do the menial duty of a ser- 
vant and clean the boots of an officer. His bother, a few years 
older than himself, and also a prisoner, taken at the same time, 
for refusing to perform the same office, was so brutaliy cut and 
maimed, that he died a few weeks after of his wounds. 

The poor widowed mother survived this shock but a few 
months, when she too died, leaving- this orphan to God and his 
country. 

Left alone in the world, with a small patrimonial estate, 
barely sufficient to support him while he should obtain the 
first elements of an academic education, he began life without 
a guide or an adviser. Fortunately for him he directed his 
attention to the study of the law, and in the year 17h6 re- 
ceived his license as an attorney. The country affording but 
1 ttie prospect of present business, he left his native place for 
Tennessee, and settled in Nashville. His intelligence and 
enterprise soon became known, when some time between the 
years 1790 and 1793, he was appointed by General Wash- 
ington, United States Attorney for that district ; and in 1790 
}u- was chosen a member of the convention which formed the 
constitution of his state. His reputation for probity and abi- 
lities still increasing, he was in 1797 sent to the senate of the 
union. Here he remained but a short time before he resigned, 
- — Ionjr enough however, to leave his name on its journals 
against the policy and acts ot the elder Adams, and in favour 
of the repeal of the alien and and stamp acts. Thus recording 
his opposition at that early day, to tyranny and usurpation, and 
in favour of the people and the republican principles of the 
country. 

Alter his resignation in the Senate, he was appointed a 
Judge of the Supreme Court of Tennessee which office he 
held with groat credit to himself for six years, when he 
resigned it, and accepted shortly after of a Major General's 
commission in the militia. 

He continued to hold this situation to the great advantage 
of the state, until 1814, when his services were transferred 
to the union, and with what benefit to the country at large, 
we have already seen. 

During the administration of Mr. Monroe, whilst Mr. 



Adanis was acting as his Secretary of State, and consequently 
one of hi? Cabinet advisers, General Jackson was appointed 
Governor of Florida, and, by his energy and decision pre- 
served the archives of the territory and the records of private 
property. This act of firmness and foresight was justified by 
his Government and defended with zeal by Mr. Adams, and 
like every other public act of his life, was not designed for his 
own benefit or advancement, but for the preservation of the 
rights and interests of others, i After this, the office of Secre- 
tary of War was offered to him, but declined ; not however 
for the same reasons which governed Mr. Clay in his refusal 
to accept the same situation, viz, " that he could not occupy 
a place in the same Cabinet with Mr. Adams the apostate 
Federalist, who had always been op-posed to the interests of the 
west, and who endeavoured at Ghent to sacrifice her rights for 
a paltry interest in the fisheries." Subsequently to this period 
and a short time previous to the close of his administration, 
Mr. Monroe, unknown to the General, sent his name to the 
Senate as Minister to Mexico. .. 

These instances of confidence are inserted as evidences of 
the estimation in which the executive and his ministers then 
held the capacity, acquirements and integrity of General Jack- 
son. In every public station which he has filled, whether in a 
military or civil capacity, his administration of it has been 
characterized by zeal and ability and the strictest integrity ; 
and with such perfect disinterestedness that he has, in every 
instance, resigned his place the moment the object for wfcich 
he was appointed had been attained. It is objected to him 
that he is not a learned man. It was never contended, by 
his friends, that he was distinguished for rhetoric or poetry. 
He is a profound thinker, a close reasoner and a great actor, 
and although he is known to excel in the latter most valuable 
qualification, yet in all his written productions, whether relat- 
ing to his military command or the civil polity of the union, 
like his great prototype, the Father of his country, he is clear 
and sound ; all his writings being characterized by a just and 
comprehensive judgement, forcible reasoning and a senten- 
tious brevity. His mind, like his soul, discards every thing pue- 
rile and disengenuous. Hence his rejection, as unworthy of 
him, of all extrinsic ornament in composition, all fancies and 
embellishments of style. He despises the knavery which is 
frequently attempted through political subtilty and rhetorical 
imposition. He -doers not aspbe to the distinction of being 



:J2 

called learned at the expense of hi-! integrity. Truth hem;?. 
his aim, his style is simple hut nervous ; serving as the me- 
dium of his thoughts, not as the basis of his reputation. In 
Word, in all his conclusions he relies more upofh truth an 
fairness, and his own resources, than upon the feeble analo- 
gies or laboured affinities of others. 

In person, General Jackson is tall and slender, hut erect 
and commanding. — In his deportment he is uncommon!) dig- 
nified ; in his address courteous and conciliating ; and, in his 
manners, mild and prepossessing. No man's manners and 
character have been more misrepresented or less understood. 
In place of a rough exterior and discourteous air, which have 
been attributed to him, strangers, when introduced, find thern- 
s-elvcs in the presence of one of the most accomplished and 
commanding men of the age; surpassing almost all men, in 
the dignity of his external appearance and in the liberal 
greatness of his soul, 

See Appendix 1). 

Although a man of most immoveable firmness, yet his dis- 
position is one of great benevolence and kindness. It is 
recorded and avouched of him, that none ever approach him 
in distress that he does not relieve them. That no one, how- 
ever humble, ever seeks his advice, that he does not patiently 
hear him and frankly impart it. 

He is just in all his actions ; honourable in all his engage- 
ments; temperate in his habits, and benevolent in his sympathies. 

He loves his country more than he does his life ! 

And in the great cause of that country, he never yielded 
\vhere he should contend ; never petitioned where he should 
resent ; never supplicated where he should impose. With 
justice on his side, he never sued for right ; with vengeance 
in his hands, never implored for mercy. 

In politics he has always acted with the democratic party. 
In war defending, and in peace upholding, the republican 
institutions of his country. 

He is a believer in the purity and stability of the govern- 
ment so long, oidy, as the agents derive their authority directly 
from the PEOPLE. Adopting this as his standard maxim, 
that everv public servant, however exalted his rank or charac- 
ter, is, and ought to lie, amenable to that high source of power. 

Such a man is ANDREW JACKSON, the MILITARY 
CHIEFTAIN, 

May his countrv appreciate and reward his merits. 

ARISTiDES. 



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"D" M » j » i. ■ ". % ■ i" 'im ■*^»^y i 






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—Qt&S — 



jV©& A.— Page 12. 

When the gallant and ever to be lamented Perry achieved his immortal 
ctory on Lake Erie, the first ever won over'a fleet by an American com- 
tander ; and, in point of chivalric dai ing and obstinate valour, not surpassed 
-y any in the annals of naval warfare,— the whole country resounded with 
acclamations. Honours and distinctions showered upon him from every 
quarter— Legislatures, corporate bodies, and ; puhlic meetings of his fellow 
citizens, evinced the deep and heartfelt interest excited amongst all classes 
it an event so important to the nation and so glorious to the brave actors in 
it. Sympathising with his fellow citizens in the happy even!, some gentle- 
man, more patriotic than the rest, in the legislature of Massachusetts, 
ventured to propose a vote of thanks, also, to Perry and his bra\e crew.— 
Upon which the Honourable J osiah Quincy, of Boston, at present their 
respected and elected mayor, rose in his place and proposed ih> rejection— 
" because it zvas unbecoming a moral and r el i gious people to I< EJOICE at 
>he success of our arms" — And to the everlasting disgrace o*' the state, it 
received a majority of the votes present. A more base an 1 detestable 
proposition was never before subn.rtted to the consideration of any legisla- 
tive body. It has since '^tsen expunged from the Legislative Journals. 

Here was no suspension of the Habeas Corpus to justify cavil : no inva- 
sion of a neutral territory, to authorize " conscientious scruples:" no exe- 
ution of outlaws and incendiaries to excite the sympathetic tears of" a 
eligious and moral community." What motive then could have governed 
lie mover and his associates? My readers can judge. 
And are such the men whom Mr. Clay has chosen for his present and 
iture political associates ? Henry Clay ! One of the champions in congress 
of that war, which Josiah Quincy, and the Otises, and the Cabbots, and the 
Websters opposed. — Is this the s=me Henry Clay, who upon that same floor 
of congress lashed this Josiah Quincy naked through the land for his asper- 
sions upon Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and the war ? There was a 
time when Mr. Clay boasted of his connection with the republican party of 
the country. — Cut where is he now ? 

There were distinguished and influential citizens, Federalists and Demo- 
crats, who conscientiously opposed the declaration of war, but who after- 
wards joined the standard ot their country, and by lending their lives and 
fortunes to its defence, identified themselves with its good or ill success. 
Their conduct endeared them to the people, because they yielded their 
prejudices to patriotism which every man of honour and honesty will do 
when his country is in danger. But what shall be said of those men who 
made use of their standing and influence to embarrass the Government and 
dispirit the people ? What shall be said of such men as Otrs, Cabbot: 



36 

Governor Strong of Massachasets, the dark and calculating Webster and the 
jaundiced, bitter and vituperative Quincey, the supporters of Mr. Adams, 
and present associates of Mr. Clay ? These were men of high standing and 
paramount consideration in the East. The people trusted them with power 
and confered honors upon them ; And what return did they make for so 
much confidence ? They arrayed themselves against their own country and 
in favour of its enemies. They joyed in her misfortunes and exulted in 
the massacre of her brave defenders. They pronounced the war wicked 
and unjust, and denounced its supporters as enemies of the republic. And 
now that the struggle is over and the victory won, shall we exalt those who 
strove to debase us ? Or, shall we honour those who conquered the foe, 
sustained the credit of the Government, and finally, by their immortal 
ec'iiev°m<nts* atjixed (he seal, the impress of eternity upon the duration of 
the Republic ? 

The enemies of freedom were powerful and audacious in both wars for 
Independence, but the second terminated as gloriously as the first. And 
if the last was pronounced premature, unjust and kicked, so also was the 
war of the revolution pronounced by the enemies of our emancipation, 
and yet, notwithstanding the heartless denunciations and the brutalities of 
their oppressers, three millions of poor and oppressed, but brave men, .00 
years ago, arrayed themselves against a Tyrant King and his corrupt 
ministers, and the power and resources of the greatest nation then on eartn. 
The contest for life and liberty was protracted and dreadful. But after 
seven years of carnage and blood, during which our forefathers suffered 
every vicissitude and hardship of war with patience and fortitude they 
emerged from a state of bondage and oppression to that of freedom and 
happiness. And, shall twelve millions of freemen, their desendants, at this 
day. themselves enlightened and powerful, shrink from the duty of cor- 
recting the abuses and corruptions of the present administration ? Shall we 
tamely acquiesce in the open barter and sale of the executive chair ? Are 
our noble institutions, our glorious laws, our precious privileges and free 
religion, and all our brilliant prospects of happiness, knowledge and wealth 
to be blasted at once by the intrigues 6f-juag.le.rs and hypocrites 1 Our 
Fathers had the courage to resist the Tyrant in '?6. and their Sons had the 
bravery to repel his second attempt at colonization in 1812. Be resolute, 
then, fellow citizens, and put down those now who would have oejoiced in 
your enslavement in '7R, and who triumphed in your misfortunes in IH12. 
Who distrusted your process in both icurs, as they deny y»>iir intelligence 
and vir'ue now — who triumphed, in the triumphs >f ymT enemies and 
against your own people— zvho branded your arm? with cowardice <i"i! your 
councils with weakness — who refused their gold to Government and their 
sympathies to your tortured, murdered, citizens — a crew who in the hour of 
your greatest peril and despondency, audaciously planned, at Hartford, the 
overthrow of your liberties and the dismemberment of the union. 

These are the men who slander and object to General Jackson, because 
be fought in defence of his country in both \\\>r^. And who, in order to 
excite the fears and apprehensions of.the peo tie, have branded him with 
the Epithet of "Military Chieftain'''' — and so was your own Washington 
branded in '76, by the tories and the enemies of freedom, a rebel and a 
military adventurer. And it was then, as il is now, predicted that the 
"Military Chiefiain"' would be defeated, his armies disperse:!, and the 
Congress hanged for their audacious attempt to destroy the corruptions and 
impositions oithat. day. It was then said that the ImmoWal Father of bi« 
Country, possessed neither ■ military talents nor civil qitalificati • >r>Si That 
because he (had nol been bred In the Coi hts, nor thawed in lh< Camr>> of 



Europe. !"• an<i his rebel associates would be annihilated a! once by the 
accomplished Cu'-'hroats of the British King. But their predictions tai 
then, a=? 1 trust they will now. The God-like Washington, sustained by 
ihfi people, persevered aou conducted his Suffering, famished countrymen, 
throng,, seven years oi toil and blood wilh ability and fortitude, crowning 
his glories with a civic wreath as rich and imperishable as that which 
adorns Ids martial brow. For sevnt years he presided over and conducted 
her armies to victory ; and for eight, administered her laws with wisdom 
and fidelity, although a kW Military Chieftain," honoured by the woild and 
beloved by his fellow citizens, " first in war, first in peace, and first in the 
hearts of his countrymen." 

And so is General Jackson honoured and beloved by the people, nor are 
bis claims to be overlooked, nor is he to be put down, because like the 
immortal Washington he derives his bono ts from his Country's greatness. 

General Washington and General Jackson have contributed more ihmn 
any other men to render the country indie pendent and her glories imperish- 
able. At an early age each became distinguished for dauntless courage 
and consummate wisdom, and sul eequentry tach terminated a war by I; s 
own matchless deeds. Both were distinguished more for judgement and 
integrity than acquired talents ; neither was educated at an university ; 
neither ever filled a subordinate station in the administration : neither was 
ever a foreign minister, or resided at the Court of a King : nor is it 
recorded that either was ever honoured by permission to kiss the band of 
a Prince. Their deeds of fame were of a higher grade and will endure tor 
ages, long byond the date assigned to lettered vice or gilded folly ! ! ! 

Note ft.— Page 2t: 



o 



Address ''delivered to Major •General Jlndrejy Jackson, by the Ikv.rc.'J !'■'. 
Dubourgh, Administrator apostolic of the diocese of Louisiana. 

General, — While the state of Louisiana, in the joyful transports of her 
gratitude, hails you as her deliverer, and the asserter of her menaced liber- 
ties ; while grateful America, so.-late.ly wrapped up in anxious suspense, on 
the fate of this important city, is re-echoing from shore to shore, your splen- 
did achievements, and preparing to inscribe your n.-me on her immortal 
rolls, among those of her Wasiiingtons : While history, poetry, and the 
monumental arts, will vie in consigning to (he admiration of the latest pos- 
terity, a triumph, perhaps unparalleled in their records; While thus raised, 
by univeisal acclamation, to the very pinnacle of fame, how easy lire: it 
been for you, Genera!, to forget the prime mover of your wonderful see- 
cesses, and to assume to yourself a praise, which must essentially retun 
that exalted source whence every merit is derived. But, better acquainted 
with the nature of true glory, and justly placing the summit of your ambi- 
tion, in appearing yourself the worthy instrument of Heaven's merciful 
designs, the first impulse of your religious heart was to acknowledge the 
signal interposition of Providence ; your first step a solemn display of your 
humble scute of 1 1 r s favours. 

"¥ohiih, therefore, our fervent thanks are due, for our late unexpected 
rescue. It is him we intend to praise, when, considering you, Genera!, as 
the man of his rig')' hand, whom lie has taken pains to til for the important 
commission of our defence. We extol that fecundity of genius, by which 
under the^ most discouraging distress yoxt cretite'd unforeseen resources, 
raised as it herefrom the grXnind, hosts of intrepid warriors, and provided 
every vulnerable po-lnt witlj ample means of defence. To Aim we trace 
that instinctive fr-rperidrify of your mind, which at once rallied around von 
universal confidence ; impressed one irresistible movement to all the iarriog 



38 

elements of which this political machine is composed ; aroused their slum- 
bering spirjlSi and diffused through every rank, the noble a,r]dour is i 
glowed in your own busotn. To him, in fine, we address >ur acknowledg- 
ments for that consummate prudence, Which defeated all the coi ibinati 
of a sagacious enemy, entangled him in the very snares which he had 
- read for us, and succeeded in effecting his utter destruction without 
exppsjflg the lives of our citizens. Immortal thanks be to his supremi 
majesty for sending us such an instrument of his bountiful designs ! A gift 
j ;t value is the best token of the continuance of his protection — the most 
solid en ouragement to sue for new favours. The first wish which it em 
boldens us to supplicate, ns nearest our throbbing hearts, is, that you rri»y 
Inns: enjoy (lie honour of your grateful country, of which you will permit us 
to present you a pledge, in this wreath of laurel, the prize of victory, the 
symbol of immortality. The next is a speedy termination of the bloody 
v" 'n '.\hich vve are engaged. No one has so efficaciously laboured as 
you, /General, for the acceleration of that blissful period ; may we soon 
reap thai sweetest fruit of your splendid and uninterrupted victories." 

General Jackson's reply. 

Ri.v'-ri'A'ti Sin — T receive with gratitude and pleasure, the symbolical 
crown which piety has prepared. / receive it in the name of the brave men 
zelw have so effectually seconded my exertions ; the} 7 well deserve the lau- 
rels which their country will bestow. 

Kor iar- ■!'", to have been instrumental in the deliverance of such a coun- 
try, is the greatest ble-sina; that heaven could bestow. That it has been 
■effected witn so little loss ; that so few tears should cloud the smiles ol our 
triumph, and nut a cypress leaf be intervvuven in the wreath which you 
present, is a source of the most exquisite pleasure. 

1 thank you. Reverend Sir, most sincerely, for the prayers which you 
offer up lor my happiness. May those your patriotism dictates tor our 
beloved country, be first heard ; and may mine, for your individual pros- 
perity, as well as that of the congregation, committed to your care, be 
favourably received ; the prosperity, wealth and happiness of this city will 
then be commensurate with the courage and other high qua'ities_ of its 
inhabitants. 

A'ote C.—Page 22. 

Address to (lie. troops at New -Orleans, after the Ofinunciation of peace. 

The major general is at length enabled to perform the pleasing task of 
restoring to Tennessee. Kentucky, Louisiana, and the territory of the Mis- 
sissippi, dip brave troops who have acted such a distinguished part in the 
war which lias just terminated. In restoring these brave men to their homo-, 
much exertion i< expected of, and great responsibility imposed on the com- 
manding officers of the different corps. It is required of major generals 
( Jarrol and Thomas, and brigadiergeneral Coffee, to march their commands, 
without delay, to their respective states. The troops from die Mississippi 
territory ami slate of Louisiana, both militia and volunteers, will be imme- 
diately mustered out of Service, paid, and discharged. 

In parting with those brave men, whose destinies have been so long united 
with his own, and in whose labours and glories it is his happiness and Ids boasl 
to have participated, the commanding genera] can neither suppress bis fee- 
lings, nor give utterance to them as he ought. In what terms can be bestow 
suitable praise on merit so extraordinary, so unparalleled ? Let him. in one 
burst of joy, gratitude, and exultation exclaim — " These are the saviours 



39 

of their country, these the patriot soldier? who triumphed aver the invinci* 
bles of Wellington, and conquered the conquerors of Europe." With what 
patience did you submit to privations— with what fortitude did you ?adure 
tatigue— what valour did you display in the day of battle ! You have se- 
cured to America a proud name among the nations of the earth— a glory which 
will never perish. 

Possessing those dispositions which equally adorn the citizen and the sol- 
dier, the expectations of your country will be met in peace, as her wishes 
have been gratified in war. Go then my brave companions, to your homes ; 
to those tender connexions and blissful scenes, which render life so dear, 
full of honors, and crowned with laurels which will never fade. VYh»u 
participating in the bosoms of your families, the enjoyment ot peaceful 
life, with what happiness will you not look back to die toils you have 
borne, to the dangers you have encountered ? How will all your past ex- 
posures be converted into sources of inexpressible delight? W ho thnt^ i < - 
ver experienced your sufferings, will be able to appreciate your joys ? The 
man who slumbered ingloriously at home, during your painful marches, 
your nights of watchfulness, and your days of toil, will envy you the hap- 
piness which these recollections will afford ; still more will be envy the gra- 
titude of that country, which you have so eminently contributed to save. 

Continue, fellow soldiers, on your passage to your several destinations, to 
preserve that subordination, that dignified and manly deportment, which 
have so ennobled jour character. 

While the commanding general is thus giving indulgence to h;s feelings, 
towards those brave companions who accompanied him through difficulties 
and dangers, he cannot permit the names of Blount, and Shelby, aid 
Holmes, to pass unnoticed. With what generous ardour and patriotism 
have these distinguished governors contributed all their exertions to provide 
the means of victory. The recollection of their exertions, and of the suc- 
cess which has resulted, will be to them a reward more grateful than any 
which the pomp of title or the splendour of wealth can bestow. 

What happiness it is to the commanding general, that while dancer v, is 
before him. he was on no occasion compelled to use towards his companions 
in arms either severity or rebuke. If, after the enemy had retired, impro- 
per passions began their empire in a few unworthy bosoms, and rendeieda 
resort to energetic measures necessary for their suppression, he has not con- 
founded the innocent wilh the guilty — the seduced with the seducers. To- 
wards you, fellow soldiers, the most cheering recollections exist ; blended, 
alas ! with regret, that disease and war should have ravished trom us so ma ■ 
ny worthy companions. But the memory of the cause in which they per- 
ished, and of the virtues which animated them while living, must occupy 
the place where sorrow would claim to dwell. 

Farewell, fellow soldiers! The expression of your general's thanks Is 
feeble ; but the gratitude of a country of freemen is yours — yours the ap- 
plause of an admiring world. 

(Signed) ANDREW JACKSON', 

Major General commanding. 

m 

'J\ r ote D.—Page 32. 

During that period of intense anxiety which preceded the consummation 
of the " bargain and sale," at Washington, two years ago, the friends of 
Mr. Crawford and of General Jackson were anxious that those two distin- 
guished citizens should meet and become reconciled. Political differences 
of years' standing, and which had been increased by the kind indisCrel 



40 

of their friends, had hitlierto kept them asunder. Mr. Crawford, owing to 
a deplorablfc and protracted indisposition, was confined to bis hou^e ; and 
this circumstance was a sufficient excuse for his not calling first on the gen- 
eral, as l;e no doubt otherwise would have done, agreeably to the eslablisli- 
■ ed usages of etiquette. 

In this state of affairs the ladies of the respective families paid their visits 
of form. These preliminaries having taken place, efforts were made to pre- 
vail on Jackson, as his competitor was an invalid, to waive ceremony, and 
make the advance. But he declined. That was not the moment to recon- 
cile differences. He expressed his respect for Mr. Crawford, and sincere- 
ly sympathized in his sufferings — but he could go no further. The times 
were perilous, and it was his duty to guard bis character, not endanger it 
even by an act of grace. 

Thus matters remained until after the House of Representatives bad dis- 
appointed the nation, and declared the great diplomatist President of the 
Luited States for four years. 

A day or two following that on which this outrage was committed, Jack- 
son said to a friend, (of whom I received the anecdote,) " as no suspicions 
can now attach to such a movement, I am willing and ready to waive all 
ceremony, and visit Mr. Crawford. Will you accompany me?" They 
met ; and the interview was one of the most impressive ever witnessed. 
The intrepid warrior advanced with a firm step and gracious air into the 
presence of the once towering and commanding, but now broken-down, 
Crawford — for God in his dispensations riveth the proudest oak ! — and they 
exchanged salutations. Never before, said my informant, did I witness so 
interesting a scene. The intenseness of the moment was embarrassing ; but 
it was soon relieved by the the kindest inquiries, and the most cordiaiinter- 
change of friendly sentiments. 



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